KEN’S 10 2024 – for High School Band Friday, December 20, 2024
recommended by Ken Tilger, Band Education Specialist
From the many new releases for band (just over 500 titles in 2024!), we typically select around 80 that stand out as the best-of-the-best. Within those are titles that stand out even more. These are my personal favorites for concert and symphonic band this year. They include vivid programmatic settings, jazz inspired styles, brilliant harmonies, and are just plan fun to play and listen to. I hope you and your students enjoy them as much as I do! Happy programming! – Ken
Across the Alaskan Snow by JaRod Hall, Grade 2.5-3
Unleash the spirit of adventure with music inspired by the legendary Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. This stirring musical journey will transport audiences across icy plains and beneath dazzling sunsets, leaving them with a deep appreciation for the relentless pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity.
Beyond! by Amy Webb, Grade 3
“Beyond” was written to celebrate America’s exploration of space, culminating with the historic moon landing of Apollo 11 in July, 1969. The music moves through the exciting events: a sunrise awakening, the victorious emotion of the successful landing, the spreading news, trepidation at the challenges returning to earth, and the ultimate relief and joy at the safe splashdown of the NASA astronauts. Intended to ignite the imagination, this piece encourages players to tell a musical story and wonder what may lie ahead in the future, beyond.
Capriccio by James Barnes, Grade 3
“Capriccio” is the third composition by James Barnes that resulted from a commission by the Zushi High School Alumni Band in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is a light-hearted, happy piece in rondo form, full of bell tones in the brass, accompanied by jazzy harmony, long melodic lines and lots of counterpoint in the woodwinds.
Circles by Brian Balmages, Grade 3
This impressionistic work portrays a dark void with various colored circles spinning and gently colliding with each other. The vivid colors are incredibly unique for this level. Combine that with an extraordinary ending, and your audience is in for an amazing experience!
Elevation by Chandler L. Wilson, Grade 3
Inspiring from the onset, this work has all the trappings of a modern fanfare – while still being perfectly suited to any concert program. Chandler’s harmonic and rhythmic choices are infectious and will leave both musicians and audiences grinning from ear to ear! A great teaching piece with a lot to focus on, Elevation is a must for your concert repertoire this season!
Interstate 90 by Alan Shulman/arr. Adam Michlin, Grade 4
In the late 1960s, Alan Shulman composed four works for symphonic winds. “Interstate 90” dates from a 1962 sketch depicting a drive heading west on the Massachusetts Turnpike and New York State Thruway. It was completed in August 1968 and received its first performance in 1969 by the Gloria Concert Band conducted by Don Butterfield. This arrangement was written by Adam Michlin.
Jingle Bells arr. Morton Gould/ed. R. Mark Rogers, Grade 4
Morton Gould’s setting of “Jingle Bells” calls to mind the quiet sounds of a horse-drawn sleigh passing through newly fallen snow. Beginning softly, as if the sleigh is approaching the listener from a distance and ending softly as the sleigh disappears in the distance, Gould’s setting will challenge players and delight audiences.
Rail Riffs by Brian Balmages, Grade 4
Close your program with this non-stop, energetic barnburner that combines elements of dance, jazz, and Latin grooves! The entire work feels like one massive party on rails, certain to bring down the house. This is one ride you will not want to end!
Sonic Pathways by Nathan Hervey, Grade 3.5
Jazz and symphonic elements combine in “Sonic Pathways,” a riveting new work from Nathan Hervey! A rhythmic groove starts the work that gives way to fantastic melodic and motivic development. Colorful percussion writing and memorable orchestration add to this unique new work that fans of Pat Metheny are sure to love! A great tool to introduce students and audiences to the limitless possibilities when genres collide, and a perfect choice for any festival or concert performance.
Winterscape by Gavin Lendt, Grade 3.5
Holiday melodies and winter wonder combine in this dazzling new work by Gavin Lendt. Several Christmas melodies are used in whole and in part to create a work that will sound both familiar and new to your concert audience. Colorful orchestration, dance rhythms, and masterful harmony are used to great effect in a piece that is sure to become a favorite at your next winter or festival concert.
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About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grades 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in Central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, outdoor activities (especially hiking), and watching hockey.